Augustana's Kick Off Kid 11/16/2013.....

....was Aiden! Because Aiden is seen at Sanford Children's Hospital, and because Troy and I know the person at Sanford who works with Augie to arrange said kid, Aiden was chosen. To be honest, Aiden was terrified. All the "job" entailed, really, was walking out to the coin toss at mid-field. Even though the Augie captains were painfully sweet (and would probably be mortified to be described that way), and they all came over to say hi to Aiden and got down on his level -- physically -- he refused to go alone, so Dad had to accompany him. Troy said Aiden was so scared, he was physically shaking the entire time. Out he did go, though, brave kid. When it was all said and done, he loved it! Now, had Ethan been chosen, he would have led those captains out onto the field. Those two are an exercise in contrasts to be sure. Be that as it may, they're getting to be very close, and today they played together ALL DAY without one fight. It is sweet to watch their relationship develop. Now, if we could just get two days in a row. Haahaha! Ah well, we'll take what we can get. And it just gets better every day!

Pre-Game
One of the captains talking to Aiden. So sweet!
Aiden and Dad at midfield

Wanted, Prayed for, Chosen, LOVED!

Today is orphan Sunday. There is a oft-used saying in the adoption community -- especially when we get the comment, "You know, you can't save them all!" It is then when we lucky adoptive parents can say,

~Adopting one child WON'T change the world, BUT
for that child, the world WILL change.~
Author Unknown

That only tells half the story, though. It should continue,


~And for those fortunate enough to adopt,
THEIR world will be changed, too, for the better!~

So much better.

November is adoption month. Today is orphan Sunday. Please take a few minutes to think of and pray for those who still await their forever families. Maybe, just maybe, even ask yourself is your son or daughter out their waiting to meet you through the gift of adoption.

Orphans no more:
:( I can't seem to load Aiden's baby picture from the orphanage, but you get the idea!

Halloween 2013

Ok, so I know it has been a while since I last posted, and too much has transpired to even contemplate trying to relay it all. Therefore, I will merely make this a Halloween post. Suffice it to say, the boys had a blast! They filled their little jack-o-laterns to the brim (thanks to Dad being a trooper and schleping them around for over an hour) and came home excited, giddy, and -- if I am to be honest -- wild! They were exhausted both having been awake since about 5:15 that morning.